Declan Walsh

The Pareto training was a fantastic experience

Declan Walsh graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2013 with a degree in Events Management. After returning from travelling in North America, Declan was looking to kick-start his career with a company that fit his personality while presenting him with exciting challenges. In 2014, Pareto approached Declan with a rewarding graduate opportunity. In the summer of 2014 he sailed through the assessment process and was subsequently placed with Igniyte: a leading online reputation management company in the UK.

Why did you choose sales as a career?

“I have always been a very confident person who enjoys meeting new people and taking on new challenges. Sales offered me the chance to develop these skills in an environment which suited my character. The fact that I could control my own earnings was also a big attraction.”

How did you find your experience of the Pareto recruitment and training process?

“The Pareto training was a fantastic experience. The key skills I learnt have helped me a lot so early on in my sales career. As well as being a great learning curve, it was also a lot of fun. I had the chance to meet other, like-minded graduates and we all got on really well.”

What has been the biggest challenge for you, working in the sales environment?

“The biggest challenge I have found would probably be getting used to rejection. Similar to most other jobs, the sales sector comes with ups and downs - which was difficult to become accustomed to at first. After a few months though, you start to learn the industry and it just becomes part of the job.”

What have you found to be the best part of your role?

“For me, the best of my job is that I have the opportunity to control my own income. This is something that has always been important to me. The harder I work, the more money I make. It’s as simple as that.

Igniyte, as a company, is also fantastic. It’s a very sociable office meaning that I can have fun in my job everyday and that’s great!”

Is there any advice you’d offer to others considering a career in sales?

“I would simply say that if you are a confident person who is not afraid of rejection or a bit of hard work, then sales is definitely the career for you!”

How has your career progressed?

“It has only been four months since I began my career with Igniyte, however, in that time my knowledge of this complex industry has grown significantly. In my second month I managed to sign one of Igniyte’s biggest clients which gave me a huge boost of confidence so early on in my sales career. In November, Igniyte exhibited at the World Travel Market in London which gave me the opportunity to build a large pipeline for the New Year. I am very confident that in the coming months I will bring on a number of new clients and progress even further.”

How do you see your future developing?

“Igniyte is a fantastic company that has big plans for the future. My plan is to continue to grow with Igniyte and hopefully, in the next five years, open another office somewhere overseas.”